Are these the nastiest TV judges ever?

Cruel ... X Factor New Zealand judge Natalia Kills unleashed on a contestant. Picture: TV3 Source: Supplied

MOVE over Simon Cowell, the nastiest reality TV judges have reared their ugly heads.

X Factor New Zealand judges Natalia Kills and Willy Moon have sparked outrage after verbally abusing contestant Joe Irvine on Sunday's live show.

The married couple, both singers, demolished the young performer, comparing him to fictional serial killer Norman Bates and branding his look "disgusting".

In a vicious tirade, Kills accused Irvine of ripping off her husband's look by wearing a suit.

"I personally found it artistically atrocious. I'm embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence having to dignify you with my opinion," the English singer, real name Natalia Noemi Cappuccini-Sinclair, declared.

Bullied ... Joe Irvine remained dignified as he was torn to shreds on stage. Picture: TV3 Source: Supplied

But it didn't end there. Her equally hateful husband, Moon, picked up the torch with this scorcher: "You look like Norman Bates dressing up in his mother's clothing. It's just a little bit creepy and I feel like you're going to stitch someone's skin to your face and then kill everybody in the audience."

Nobodies ... married couple Willy Moon and Natalia Kills were plain nasty. Picture: TV3 Source: Supplied

Vicious rant ... Stan Walker looked shocked as Natalia Kills and Willy Moon unleashed on the young singer. Picture: TV3 Source: Supplied

To his credit, Irvine remained dignified as the crowd jeered at the judges' ridiculous comments.

Fellow judge Melanie Blatt, a former All Saints singer, jumped in to defend Irvine as Stan Walker, the fourth judge, looked on in shock.

"You know what Joe, I don't think many people have believed in you. But I tell you right now, I believe in you," Blatt said.

Kind-hearted ... judge Melanie Blatt, a former All Saints singer, jumped to Irvine's defence. Picture: TV3 Source: Supplied

Broadcaster TV3 said on Twitter it had been inundated with comments and complaints about Moon and Kills' grotesque rants.

"TV3 does not condone bullying and are currently on-site with Joe who is doing well," TV3 said in a tweet after the show.

Viewers lashed out at the controversial judges on social media, condemning the brutal and unnecessary attacks.